Method and apparatus for storing cutting implements

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for storing cutting implements that substantially eliminates deterioration of the cutting edge and metal surfaces adjacent to the cutting edge caused by corrosion of the metal between intermittent uses of the cutting implement. The apparatus comprises a container adapted to receive the cutting implement and support it so that the cutting edges are in close proximity to a body of volatile corosion inhibitor, which can be a wicking material impregnated with a liquid agent or a body of solid agent. One embodiment of the device is especially adapted for storage of a safety razor between intermittent shaving operations.

United States Patent [191 Cobb [4 1 Sept. 18, 1973 METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR STORING CUTTING IMPLEMENTS inventor: Jack M. Cobb, Box 422, San JuanCapistrano, Calif. 92675 Filed: Dec. 2, 1971 Appl. No.: 203,956

u.s. c|. 312/31, 206/16 A Int. Cl. 2 25/00 Field of Search 312731-3106,

31.1-31.3; 206/16 A, 16 B, 16 S, 46 BL; 21/88-90 References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 10/1898 Miranda 312/312 UX 1 1/1967 Fischer et a1. 206/16A' X 1/1927 Lorenz 206/16 A 5/1955 Shnitzler et al. 206/16 B 3,045,8127/1962 Randolph 206/16 A Primary Examiner-James C. MitchellAttorney-Dean Sandford [57] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for storingcutting implements that substantially eliminates deterioration of thecutting edge and metal surfaces adjacent to the cutting edge caused bycorrosion of the metal between intermittent uses of the cuttingimplement. The apparatus comprises a container adapted to receive thecutting implement and support it so that the cutting edges are in closeproximity to a body of volatile corosion inhibitor, which can be awicking material impregnated with a liquid agent or a body of solidagent. One embodiment of the device is especiallyadapted for storage ofa safety razor between intermittent shaving operations,

23 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEPIBIQB 3759.594

'Foooool (000000 Joooooo oooooo INVENTOR. JACK M. (055 BY A 4 9 LAWAffOR/VE') METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING CUTTING IMPLEMENTS Thisinvention relates generally to the field of cutting implements, and moreparticularly to methods and apparatus for preventing deterioration ofthe cutting edge of a cutting implement during storage betweenintermittent uses. One specific embodiment of the invention relates to amethod and apparatus for storing a safety razor between shavingoperations that maintains the cutting edge of the razor bladesubstantially indefinitely in the same condition that it is in aftercompletion of the shaving operation.

It is well known that corrosion contributes substantially to thedeterioration of metallic cutting edges exposed to oxygen, water andother corrosive elements, and in many cases the deteriorationattributable to corrosion far exceeds that caused by wear of the cuttingedge during a cutting operation. This is particularly true where thecutting implement is intermittently used and then stored in anatmospheric environment. Although corrosion of steel cutting implementscan to some extent be ameliorated by the use of stainless steel andother corrosion resistant steel alloys, nevertheless, deterioration ofthe cutting edge due to corrosion in many cases substantially limits thelife of the implement or necessitates frequent sharpening to maintainthe cutting edge. While various packaging techniques have been developedto protect cutting implements from corrosion during distribution to theuser, this protection is lost when the package is opened and the cuttingimplement exposed to a corrosive environment such as is encountered inthe atmospheric storage of the implement between cutting operations.

In the case of razor blades, it is common experience, particularly whensteel safety razor blades are used, to obtain a smooth and comfortableshave the first time that a new blade is used, yet a short time laterfind that the same blade is dull and all but impossible to use. Thisdeterioration of the cutting edge of a razor blade is not only rapid,but appears to take place whether the blade is merely rinsed after beingused or is rinsed and carefully dried.

With modern manufacturing techniques, it is possible to manufacturerazor blades having exceedingly sharp cutting edges, with these bladesbeing in the main of uniform high quality. Typically, the blades arecovered with a fine film of oil, wax, or plastic material, and oftenfurther protected by a corrosion inhibitor incorporated into the coatingor into the wrapping material used to package the blade. As a result ofthis packaging, each new blade when first used is in substantially thesame condition as when manufactured.

The cutting edge of a safety razor blade when first used constitutes aline of microscopic width that forms the apex of two oppositely opposedelongate tapered surfaces. That portion of the blade adjacent thecutting edge is extremely thin, but due to the high quality of thesteelused in the blades, has substantial strength and resistance toabrasion. When the cutting edge of a used razor blade is examined undera microscope immediately after its first use, it will be seen to havehoning striations formed therein and portions thereof sometimes haveburrs, but these defects in the cutting edge are so small the cuttingaction thereof will not be appreciably impaired.

However, the physical condition of the cutting edge of a razor bladeimmediately after the first use thereof and the condition of the cuttingedge of the same blade after even a short period of storage are not oneand the same. Examinations of the blade even one day later will showthat the original microscopic striations and burred portions are not theonly imperfections in the cutting edge and the cutting surfaces adjacentthereto, but the cutting surfaces and edge of the blade have anirregular, jagged appearance caused by corrosion of the metal.

The reason for this relatively rapid change in the exterior surface ofthe metal defining the blade cutting surfaces and the edge is that afterthe first shave this metal has been subjected to the corrosive action ofoxygen, moisture, acidic materials from the skin, and alkaline agents inthe shaving cream. Even though the blade is carefully dried thereafter,sufficient portions of these constituents remain to cause substantialcorrosion of the metal. In addition, when stored under ambientconditions, the blade is exposed to atmospheric oxygen and moisture, andto any other corrosive agents that may be present in the atmosphere. Themetal of the blade is subjected both to chemical attack by the reactivematerials with which it is contacted and by electrolytic corrosioncaused by differences in oxygen concentration at various portions of thesurface. This electrolytic corrosion may, and usually does, proceed tothe degree that the cutting edge and the cutting surfaces are severelypitted, with the striations and other imperfections already thereinbeing greatly. enlarged by the combined chemical and electrolyticaction. Due to this corrosive action, the cutting edge and cuttingsurfaces of a used blade may, within a days time, become so severelypitted and roughened as a result thereof as to render the bladeincapable of being used to obtain a smooth shave. Although the corrosiveaction occurring between the first use of a blade and the re-use thereofhas been described, it will be apparent that this is an action whichoccurs to' an even greater degree after the first re-use of the blade.The rate of corrosion can be reduced by the use of stainless steel andother special chromium and platinum alloy steels. This reduces thecorrosion rate and extends the blade life somewhat, but does notsubstantially eliminate deterioration of the cutting edge caused bycorrosion.

It has been proposed that corrosion of a cutting edge can be reduced orsubstantially eliminated by immersing the cutting edge in an oilcontaining a corrosion inhibitor or by applying such oil to the cuttingedge after each use of the cutting implement. While some reduction incorrosion can be achieved by this treatment and this method has beenemployed in protecting various indistrial cutting implements, it isgenerally unsatisfactory because the oil coating is messy andunsanitary, and in many applications, the oil must be substantiallyremoved before the cutting implement can be used. Thus, need exists fora simple, convenient, inexpensive device for storing cutting implementsthat substantially eliminates corrosion of the cutting edge and cuttingsurfaces during storage between intermittent uses.

Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide a methodand device for protecting the cutting edge of a steel cutting implementfrom corrosion during storage of the implement between intermittentuses.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus forextending the life of the cutting edge of a steel cutting implement usedintermittently.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a device for storinga steel cutting implement between intermittent uses and re-uses underconditions that prevent or substantially retard corrosion of the cuttingedge and metal surfaces adjacent to the cutting edge.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatusfor storing a steel cutting implement under conditions that prevent orsubstantially retard corrosion of the cutting edge and metal surfacesadjacent to the cutting edge without special pre-storage cleaning ortreatment of the implement.

A further object of this invention is to provide a method and device forprotecting the cutting edge of a razor blade from corrosion duringstorage of the implement between intermittent uses.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a method andapparatus for extending the life of the cutting edge of a razor bladeused intermittently.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide a device for storinga safety razor between intermittent uses and re-uses under conditionsthat prevent or substantially retard corrosion of the cutting edges andmetal surfaces of the razor blade adjacent to the cutting edges.

An even further object of the invention is to provide a method andapparatus for storing a safety razor under conditions that prevent orsubstantially retard corrosion of the cutting edges and metal surfacesof the razor blade adjacent to the cutting edges without specialprestorage cleaning or treatment of the blade.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart from the following description.

Briefly, this invention contemplates a method for storing cuttingimplements that substantially eliminates deterioration of the cuttingedge and metal surfaces adjacent to the cutting edge caused by corrosionof the metal between intermittent uses of the cutting implement. Theapparatus comprises a container adapted to receive the cutting implementand support it so that the cutting edges are in close proximity to abody of volatile corrosion inhibitor, which can be a wicking materialimpregnated with a liquid agent or a body of solid agent. In the case ofcutting implements that may be stored between uses with even a smallamount of moisture on the implement, it is preferred that the containerbe vented to the atmosphere to prevent accumulation of moisture in thecontainer.

In its broadest aspect, the method and apparatus of this invention hasapplication to the storage of knives, chisels, drill bits, sculptingtools, Xacto blades, surgical implements, safety razor blades, straightedge razors, and other cutting implements subject to corrosion of thecutting edge between intermittent uses. One embodiment of the device isespecially adapted for storage of a safety razor between intermittentshaving operations.

The apparatus of this invention includes a container or receptacle of asize and shape adapted to receive the particular cutting implement to bestored and having a cover adapted to substantially close the storagecontainer, and including means to support the cutting implement in thecontainer during storage. A body of volatile corrosion inhibitor islocated in the container so as to be adjacent to the cutting edge whenthe implement is placed within the container. The configuration of thebody of volatile corrosion inhibitor is preferably adapted so that thecutting edge or edges of the implement is in proximity to the body ofcorrosion inhibitor along its entire length, without actually contactingthe corrosion inhibitor.

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially cut away perspective view illustrating theapparatus of this invention adapted for storage of a safety razor;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2illustrating another embodiment of the device; and

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the perforate support plate employed in theembodiment of FIG. 4.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the illustrated safety razorstorage device is comprised of an open topped container 10 having acover 12 adapted to mate therewith so as to substantially close the opentop of the container. The rear panel of container 10 is higher than thefront panel, and terminates in a tab section 14 having an aperature 16adapted to receive a mounting screw for attaching the device to the wallor other suitable vertical surface. The top edge of the side panels ofcontainer 10 are slanted from the front to the rear. The upper edge ofthe front panel and both side panels are recessed at 18 to accommodatethe downwardly extending front and side panel sections of cover 12. Therear panel of cover 12 is formed to mate with the upper edge of the rearpanel section of container 10 and abutts thereagainst. Cover 12 canmerely rest on container 10, or optionally, cover 12 can be pivotallyattached to container 10 by means of a hinge or hinges, such as the pairof hinges 20. While container 10 is illustrated as an integrally formed,molded member of opaque plastic material having a generally rectangularcross section, it is to be recognized that the device may be constructedin a variety of shapes and configurations, and of different materials,without detracting from its utility. Similarly, while cover 12 isillustrated as an integrally formed, molded member of a transparentplastic material, it can be constructed of a variety of materials andconfigurations adapted to enclose the top of container 10. Top 12 ispreferably provided with aperture 22 to vent the contents of thecontainer to the atmosphere.

A cradle 32 having a curved cross section transverse to its longitudinalaxis and extending substantially across the container 10 is provided asa means to support a safety razor 30 in the container 10 and to dividethe container into an upper razor storage chamber and a lower chambercontaining the volatile corrosion inhibitor. A pair of support members34 having the desired curved configuration and terminating in lips 36and 38 are located on the interior of container 10, one of the membersbeing located adjacent to the lower section of each of the side panelsof the container. Cradle 32 can be a thin, flat, flexible plastic memberand can be snapped into place and retained in the curved configurationby the lips 36 and 38.

A pair of absorbent wicks 40 and 42 saturated with a liquid volatilecorrosion inhibitor of a type that will be hereinafter more fullydescribed are located in the lower chamber of container 10. The wicksare maintained in a position adjacent the front and rear edge of cradle32 by means of a pair of retainers 44 fixed to the bottom of container10. While this embodiment is illustrated in use with a liquid volatilecorrosion inhibitor, wicks 40 and 42 can be omitted and a body of solidvolatile corrosion inhibitor placed in the lower chamber of container10. The wicks 40 and 42 can be formed of any suitable absorbent materialof natural or synthetic origin, such as cotton, hemp, wool, rayon, andlike fibers, and natural or synthetic sponge, in the form of pads, asillustrated, or in the form of strips, rolls, or wads.

Support members 34 and retainers 44 can be separately formed andfastened in the molded container by plastic glue, a suitable plasticsolvent that dissolves the plastic sufficiently to bond the parts to thecontainer, or by ultrasonic welding; or alternatively, either or both ofthe support members 34 and retainers 44 can be formed integrally withcontainer 10 during the modling process.

Optionally, a depression 48 can be provided on the interior surface oftab section 14 of the rear panel of container 10 to receive the upperend of the handle of safety razor 30.

Another embodiment of the invention particularly adapted for use with asolid volatile corrosion inhibitor is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Inthis embodiment, a

flat, perforate support plate 60 having a plurality of perforations 62arranged in a convenient pattern and extending substantially across thecross section of container 10 is mounted in the container 10 to dividethe container into an upper razor storage chamber and a lower'chambercontaining a particulate mass 64 of volatile corrosion inhibitor.Support plate 60 is supported within container 10 by a pair of supportmembers 66 adhering thereon, the moisture can accumulate in thecontainer and tend to accelerate the rate of corrosion,

integrally molded with the container 10, or separately formed andfixedly placed therewithin. Alternatively, support member 66 cancomprise a shoulder integrally formed with the container and extendingaround the periphery thereof.

ln practicing the method of this invention, the cutting implement iscleaned and dried after use in the manner customary for that particulartype of cutting implement. The implement is-then placed in the storagecontainer in close proximity to a reservoir of volatile corrosioninhibitor which can be a wick saturated with a liquid agent or a body ofsolid agent, but the cutting edge is preferably out of contact with theagent. it has been found that if the cutting edge is placed in directcontact with the volatile corrosion inhibitor and particularly where anoily'carrier is employed, theoil can encapsulate minute droplets ofwater on the metal surface which form cells that actually promotepitting type corrosion of the metal. 1 a

In the case of practicing the method to prevent corrosion of a razorblade during storage, at the completion ofthe shaving operation therazor and-blade are rinsed off in warm water in a normal manner and theassembled'razor and razor blade placed in the storage containerimmediately adjacent to, but out of contact with the body of volatilecorrosion inhibitor. The assembled razor and blade can be easily removedfrom the storage container and used in a shaving operation. Preferably,the razor and blade are rinsed in warm water prior to use.

Where the razor or other cutting implement is placed in the containerwith even minute amounts of moisture even in the presence of thevolatile corrosion inhibitor. Thus, it is preferred that the containerbe vented to the atmosphere to prevent accumulation of the water vapor,although the adverse effect of the moisture can be somewhat amelioratedby proper selection of the volatile corrosion inhibitor.

Because of variations in skin and heard types and the differences incomfort level expected, the increase in razor blade life obtained willvary depending on the user. However, it has been established withdifferent users and with a number of different types of commercially.available razor blades that protection of the razor blade during storagebetween intermittent shaving opersions in accordance with this inventionwill increase the number of shaves comfortably obtainable with a razorblade at least five fold over that obtainable with atmospheric storage.1

The volatile corrosion inhibitor composition can be selected from alarge class of chemical compounds that are known to volatilize extremelyslowly to release agents into the atmosphere which effectively permeatethe atmosphere aurrounding the cutting implement and deposit a thin filmof corrosion inhibitor on the steel cutting edge and metal surfacesadjacent to the cutting edge. Corrosion inhibiting compositions usefulin the practice of this invention exhibit vapor pressures at 20 C. of atleast about 0.00001 mm Hg and not greater than about 0.1 mm Hg. Thoseagents exhibiting vapor pressures of less than about 0.00001 mm Hggenerally do not provide sufficient corrosion protection and thoseagents exhibiting vapor pressures above about 0.1 mm Hg are generally sovolatile that they are too rapidly vaporized to providelastingprotection. Preferably, the vapor phase corrosion inhibitors used in thepractice of this invention exhibit vapor pressures at 20 C. of about0.0000l to 0.01 mm Hg.

. The volatile corrosion inhibitor may be used in liquid or solid form,or may be dissolved in a suitable aqueous or non-aqueous solvent. Apreferred solvent for many of the volatile corrosion inhibitors ismineral oil, and particularly a mineral lubricating oil having aviscosity of about 100 to 1,000 SSU at 100 F. Masking agents or perfumescan be added to the corrosion inhibitor composition, if desired, to maskits odor or improve its scent.

Volatile corrosion inhibitors that can be used in the practice of thisinvention include various inorganic nitrites such as-alkali metalnitrites, exemplary of which is sodium nitrite, and admixtures of analkali metal nitrite and an alkali metal phosphate, exemplary of whichis an admixture of sodium nitrite and about 5 to percent sodiumphosphate, and particulary an admixture of 3 parts of sodium nitrite to1 part of sodium tribasic phosphate. Also, a wide variety of organicnitrites can be employed as the volatile corrosion inhibitor. These aregenerally salts of organic bases and nitrous acid, and particularly thenitrous acid salts of (1) primary amines such as primary amines in whichthe amine groups are attached to a secondary or a teritary aliphaticcarbon atom, primary amines in which the amine group is attached to anarylalkyl group,'and primary amines which react with nitrous acid in thepresence of an excess of the amine to producea primary amine nitritesalt; (2) secondary amines such as secondary amines in which the aminegroup is attached to an aliphatic carbon atom, preferably a secondary orteritary carbon atom, and wherein the aliphatic groups attached to thenitrogen may be joined to form a ring that is either N-alicyelic or aheterocyclic ring containing oxygen and/or sulfur; (3) teritary amines;and (4) quaternary ammonium bases. Specific organic nitrites that can beemployed include methylamine nitrite, isopropylamine nitrite,2-amino-butane nitrite, teritary butyl amine nitrite,2-amino-4-methyl-pentane nitrite, various amyl, heptyl, octyl and higherhomologous amine nitrites wherein the amine group is attached to asecondary or teritary carbon atom, cyclopentylamine nitrite, alkylatedcyclopentylamine nitrites, cyclohexylamine nitrite, monomethylcyclohexylamine nitrite, dimethyl cyclohexylamine nitrite, trimethylcyclohexylamine nitrite, other alkylated cyclohexylamine nitrites,bornyl amine nitrite, fenchyl amine nitrite, cycloterpenyl aminenitrite, pinyl amine nitrite, benzylamine nitrite, betaphenyl-ethylaminenitrite, alkylated benzylamine nitrite, tetrahydro beta-naphythylaminenitrite, allylamine nitrite, beta-methyl allylamine nitrite, betachloroallylamine nitrite; di-methyl-, di-ethyl-, di-npropyl-, anddiisopropylamine nitrites, various secondary amine nitrites derived fromamyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl and higher homologous groups; 'methylisobutyl amine nitrite, N-methyl N-tertiary-butyl amine nitrite, N-alkylN-cyclohexyl amine nitrite, N-alkyl N-bornyl amine nitrite, di-bornylamine nitrite, N-methyl N- cycloterphenyl amine nitrite, N-isopropylN-(1) methyl amine nitrite, N-alkyl N-benzyl amine nitrite,dicyclopentyl amine nitrite, dicyclohexyl amine nitrite, alkylateddicyclohexyl amine nitrite, diphenylamine nitrite, dibenzylaminenitrite, di(beta phenyl ethyl) amine nitrite, piperidine nitrite,piperazine nitrite, alkylated piperidine or piperazine nitrite,l,4-alkylated and unalkylated oxazine nitrites such as morpholinenitrite and 2,4,4,6-tetramethyl tetrahydro-1,3-oxazine nitrite, andalkylated l,3-thiazine nitrites such as 2,4,4,6-tetramethyltetrahydro-3-thiazine nitrite; trimethylamine nitrite, triethylaminenitrite, tri-npropylamine nitrite, triisopropylamine nitrite,tributylamine nitrite, higher homologous and isomeric trialkylamines,variously N-substituted tertiary amine nitrites having different organicradicals on the amino nitrogen atom, e.g., alkyl, alicyclic, bornyl,fenchyl, arylalkyl, and like homologs and analogs, and teritary aminenitrite type derivatives of alkylene diamines; tetramethyl and highertetra-alkyl ammonium nitrites, trimethyl benzyl ammonium nitrite,trimethyl cyclohexyl ammonium nitrite, tributyl decyl ammonium nitrite,quaternary N-substituted ammonium nitrites having various organicradicals on the quaternary nitrogen atom, pyridinium and alkylatedpyridinium or quinolinium quaternary ammonium nitrites having an alkyl,cycloalkyl or arylalkyl group on the quaternary nitrogen atom includingmethyl, butyl, cyclohexyl and benzyl groups and like homologs andanalogs.

tion relative to each other. Exemplary of these materials are2,4,4,6-tetramcthyltctrahydro-l ,3-oxazine nitrite and morpholinenitrite (tetrahydro-l ,4-oxazine nitrite).

Also, certain amine salts of carboxylic acids are effective volatilecorrosion inhibitors such as salts of nonaromatic amines having not morethan 35 carbon atoms per molecule and carboxylic acids having adissociation constant between about 10' and 10 Exemplary of this classof volatile corrosion inhibitors are the amine and ammonium salts ofcarboxylic acids such as the fatty acids of lauric, palmitic, stearic,n-butyric, and the like; unsaturated acids such as oleic, maleic, andthe like; dibasic acids suchas carbonic, phthalic, oxalic, maleic,malonic, succinic, glutaric, adipic pinelic, etc.; and aromatic acidssuch as benzoic, salicylic, and the like.

While the foregoing volatile corrosion inhibitors are effective inpreventing corrosion of various ferrous metals such as steels as well ascouples of steels with aluminum, copper, nickel, chromium, or othermetals and their alloys, more satisfactory inhibition of corrosion ofcopper and copper alloys such as brass and bronze is obtained when smallamounts of volatile carbonates such as ammonium carbonate or an organicnitrogen base carbonate, for example, di-isopropyl ammonium bicarbonate,or dicyclohexyl ammonium bicarbonate are present in the vapor phasealong with the inhibitor.

Another class of compounds useful as volatile corrosion inhibitors arethe lower alkylol amines such as ethyl diethanolamine, butylmonoethanolamine, ethyl monoethanolamine, butyl diethanolamine anddi-nbutylamino ethanol.

Still another class of volatile corrosion inhibitors are admixtures ofan organic amide, such as various monoamides, diamides and polyamides,and an inorganic nitrite such as the alkali metal nitrites and otherwatersoluable nitrites exemplary of which are sodium nitrite, potassiumnitrite, ammonium nitrite and silver nitrite. The mono-amides arealiphatic amides containing up to 25 carbon atoms in the aliphaticradical, exemplary of which are acetamide, propionamide, N-butyramide,N- valeramide, stearamide, palmitylamide and fatty acid amides, or themono-amides can be acyclic or alkylacyclic amides such as benzamide andthe acyclic acid amides, or the type such as benzene sulphonic acidamide, toluene sulphonic acid amide, naphthalene sulphonic acid amide,and the like. Exemplary of the diamides are urea, N-substituted ureas,unsymetrical ureas such as N-N,-dibutyl urea, N-butyl urea, N-propylurea, dimethyl urea, t-butyl urea, t-amyl urea, and the like, and otherdiamides, such as buramines (the reaction prodnot of amines such asbutyl amine with urea), the reaction product of amines with biuret, andquanidine and derivatives thereof. A suitable polyamide is illustratedby biuret. Good results are obtained when the aforesaid compounds areutilized in the ratio of about one part by weight of the inorganicnitrite to from about 0.05-20parts by weight of the amides, andparticularly advantageous results are obtained by the use ofsubstantially equal parts by weight of the inorganic nitrite and theorganic amide.

The foregoing admixtures of inorganic nitrite and organic amide can berendered even more effective in protecting ferrous metals from corrosionby the incorporation therein or conjoint use therewith of salts ofbenzoic acid. The action of the salts of benzoic acid appears tosynergize the activity of the organic amideinorganic nitritecompositions so as to bring about a marked enhancement of the corrosioninhibiting properties of the latter compositions. Among the varioussalts of benzoic acid which can be utilized are inorganic metal,including alkali metal, and amine salts as, for example, sodium,potassium, ammonium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, barium, aluminum,iron, trimethylamine, isopropylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine,trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine, cyclohexylamine,dicyclohexylamine, 2-hydroxyethylamine, bis- (2hydroxyethyl) amine,tris-(Z-hydroxyethyl) amine, betahydroxyisopropylamine,bis-(betahydroxyisopro'- pyl) amine, propylamine, butylamine,N,N'-dimethyl-2- hydroxyethyl amine, N,N-diethyl-2- hydroxyethylamine,benzylamine, naphythylamine, triamylamine, dimethylbenzylamine,(dimethyl) (cyclohexyl) ainine, methyl benzylamine, piperidine,p'yridine, lutidine morpholine -diphenylamine, 2- phenylethyl-amine,alpha-methyl-betahydroxyisopropylamine, and the like. Also, thefunctioning of the aforesaid mixtures of inorganic nitrite and organicamide can be improved by the incorporation therein or conjoint usetherewith of amine and ammonium salts of carboxylic acids containingfrom 6 to 18 carbon atoms.

One preferred liquid volatile corrosion inhibitor is a solution ofdicyclohexylamine caprylate, diisopropyl amine caprylate, or admixturesthereof in a mineral oil such as a light lubricating oil, e.g., an SAElubricating oil.

Another preferred volatile corrosion inhibitor composition is anadmixture of sodium nitrite, urea and monoethanolamine benzoate.

A particularly preferred solid volatile corrosion inhibitor for use inthe method of this invention is diisopropylammonium nitrite,dicyclohexylammonium nitrite and admixtures of between about 0.1 m5parts by 1 weight of diisopropylammonium nitrite per part ofdicylohexylammonium nitrite. The diisopropylammonium nitrite is the morevolatile agent and provides more rapid corrosion protection, while thedicyclohexylammonium nitrite provides longer duration protection.

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples which areillustrative of specific modes of practicing the invention and notintended as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

EXAMPLE 1 A series of shaving tests are conducted with a number ofdifferent types of razor blades over a 4 year period to determine theeffect of protecting the razor blade during stroage between uses by themethod and apparatus of the present invention. The subject in eachtestis In one series of tests, the razor containing the test blade isstored between shaving operations under normal atmospheric conditions.In another seriesof tests, the razor containing a test blade of the sametype is stored between shaving operations in a closed polyethylenecontainer having an aperture in its top to vent the contents to theatmosphere. The container contains two cotton rolls saturated with aliquid volatile corrosion inhibitor. The volatile corrosion inhibitoremployed in all of these tests is an admixture of diisopropylaminecaprylate, dicyclohexylamine caprylate, a minor amount of an aminesulfonate, and an SAE 5 lubricating oil, which material is marketed bythe Daubert Chemical Company under the trademark VCI 105. A number ofduplicate tests are performed to verify the repeatability of theresults.

The results of these tests are reported in Table 1.

TABLE 1 COMPARATIVE SHAVING TESTS Number of shaves obtained AtmosphericProtected Blade tested Type Storage Storage Gillette Blue Blade DoubleEdge 5-7 25-35 Gillette Super Blue Blade Double Edge 5-10 25-50 GilletteStainless Blade Double Edge 10 50 Shick Super Stainless Double Edge10-15 50-90 Schick Super Stainless Injector-single 10 60 edge SchickKrona Chrome Double Edge 30 l. Marketed by the Gillette Company 2.Marketed by Schick Incorporated These tests demonstrate that while thenumber of shaves obtainable with a commercial razor blade varies greatlywith the type of blade, the number of shaves obtainable with anyparticular type of blade can'be increased 5 to 6 fold by storing therazor blade between shaves in the presence of a volatile corrosioninhibitor.

EXAMPLE 2 Another comparative test is conducted with a subject having amedium beard and sensitive skin. The subject had developed a normal usehistory with Gillette Super Stainless blades and regularly found theseblades to be almost unsatisfactory with the fifth shave, and haddeveloped a pattern of discarding the blade after the fifth shave. A newGillette Super Stainless blade is used and stored between shaves in thepresence of a volatile corrosion inhibitor substantially in accordancewith the method described in Example 1, excepting that for approximatelyone-third of the test period the razor storage container is maintainedon its side. After 29 shaves, the blade was considered unsatisfactory.

,EXAMPLE 3 This test was conducted by a subject having a medium beardand very sensitive skin. For a period of over 2 years this individualhad regularly shaved with Gillette Super Stainless razor blades marketedby the Gillette Company, and had found it necessary to change the bladeonce every week (after 7 shaves) to maintain comfortable shaving. Duringthe pretest experience, it was noted that occasionally the facial tissuewould be cut the first time a new blade was used and that because of theextremely sensitive nature of the subjects skin, shaving with a dullblade was a very uncomfortable experience.

The test was conducted by first shaving in a normal manner with a newGillette Super Stainless razor blade, and then storing the blade in thepresence of a volatile corrosion inhibitor substantially in accordancewith the method described in Example 1, except that between shaves thecontainer was kept on its side in a drawer.

The test blade was used every day except one for a period of 61 days,thus providing a total of 60 shaves. The results of this test werereportedto be extremely satisfactory from both a personal comfort and afinancial standpoint. The blade remained sharp with very gradual dullingafter approximatley 6 weeks of use, resulting in close and clean shavesthroughout the duration of the test. The test was terminated because theblade appeared to be dulling, although it still provided a close andcomfortable shave. One unusual aspect noted was that at no time duringthe test did the blade pull the whiskers while cutting them, but onlyseemed to become duller with no shaving discomfort.

EXAMPLE 4 A shaving test is conducted to determine the effectiveness ofsolid volatile corrosion inhibitor in protecting a razor blade duringstorage between uses. The test subject is characterized as having amedium beard and medium sensitivity skin.

The test is conducted with a new Gillette Super Stainless razor blade.AFter After first shave, the razor and blade is rinsed off in warmwater, shaken dry, and placed in a closed polyethylene container havinga vent opening at its top. A body of solid volatile corrosion inhibitorin a cotton bag is located in the bottom of the container below aplastic shield that separates the razor storage chamber from the body ofcorrosion inhibitor, but does not completely enclose the chamber. Therazor and razor blade is stored in the razor storage container betweenshaves throughout the test period. Comfortable shaves are obtained foran extended period of time.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but issusceptible of various changes and modifications, which are consideredwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the attachedclaims.

Having now described my invention, 1 claim:

1. A device for storing cutting implements between intermittent usesthat reduces deterioration of the cutting edges of the implement betweenuses, which comprises:

an open topped container for receiving the implement;

a lid removably closing the top of said container;

a reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor contained within saidcontainer; and

means to support said cutting implement within said container so thatthe cutting edges are in close proximity to, but out of contact withsaid reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor.

2. The device defined in claim 1 for storing cutting implements havingmoisture adhering thereto wherein said lid has an aperture to vent theinterior of said container to the atmosphere.

3. The device defined in claim 1 wherein said reservoir of volatilecorrosion inhibitor is a body of particulate solid volatile corrosioninhibitor having a vapor pressure between about 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at20 C.

4. The device defined in claim 1 wherein said reservoir of volatilecorrosion inhibitor comprises an absorbent wick impregnated with aliquid volatile corrosion inhibitor having a vapor pressure betweenabout 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C.

5. A device for storing a safety razor either under dry conditions orwith moisture adhering thereto that reduces deterioration of the cuttingedge of the razor blade between intermittent uses, which comprises:

an open-topped, integrally formed molded container;

a lid removably closing the top of said container, said lid having anaperture to vent the interior of said container to the atmosphere;

a razor support plate mounted in said container to separate saidcontainer into a lower corrosion inhibitor chamber and an upper razorstorage chamber and to support said razor in said upper chamber out ofcontact with said lower corrosion inhibitor chamber, said support platebeing discontinuous across the cross-section of said container toprovide communication between said lower chamber and said upper chamber;

means to support said razor support plate in said container; and

a reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor in said lower chamber.

6. The device defined in claim 5 wherein said reservoir of volatilecorrosion inhibitor is a body of particulate solid volatile corrosioninhibitor having a vapor pressure between about 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at20 C.

7. The device defined in claim 5 wherein said reservoir of volatilecorrosion inhibitor comprises an absorbent wick impregnated with aliquid volatile corrosion inhibitor having a vapor pressure betweenabout 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C.

8. The device defined in claim 5 wherein said razor support platecomprises a thin, flexible member retained in a configuration having acurved cross-section transverse to its longitudinal axis, and whereinsaid razor support plate is mounted in said container to provide anelongate slot between the longitudinal edges of the support plate andthe container walls.

9. The device defined in claim 8 wherein said reservoir of volatilecorrosion inhibitor comprises a pair of fiat pads of absorbent wickingmaterial saturated with a liquid volatile corrosion inhibitor having avapor pressure between about 0.0001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C., one of saidpads being located below each of said elongate slots.

10. The device defined in claim 9 including a pair of tabs projectingupwardly from the interior surface of the bottom of the container toretain said pads of absorbent wicking material in position below each ofsaid elongate slots.

11. The device defined in claim 5 wherein said razor support platecomprises a thin, flat, perforate member extending substantially acrossthe cross-section of said container.

12. A device for storing a safety razor either under dry conditions orwith moisture adhering thereto that reduces deterioration of the cuttingedge of the razor blade between intermittent uses, which comprises:

an open-topped, integrally-formed, molded container, the rear panel ofsaid container including an upwardly extending tab portion having arecessed notch on its interior surface to receive the handle of a safetyrazor and an aperture to receive a mounting screw;

a lid removably closing the top of said container, said lid having anaperture to vent the interior of said container to the atmosphere;

a razor support plate mounted in said container to separate saidcontainer into a lower corrosion inhibitor chamber and an upper razorstorage chamber and to support said razor in said upper chamber out ofcontact with said lower corrosion inhibitor chamber, said support platebeing discontinuous across the cross-section of said container toprovide communicationbetween said lower chamber and said upper chamber;

means to support said razor support plate in said container; and

a reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor in said lower chamber.

13. The device defined in claim 14 wherein said reservoir of volatilecorrosion inhibitor is a body of particulate solid volatile corrosioninhibitor having a vapor pressure between about 000001 and 0.1 mm Hg. at20 C.

14. The device defined in claim 12 wherein said reservoir of volatilecorrosion inhibitor comprises an absorbent wick impregnated with aliquid volatile corrosion inhibitor having a vapor pressure betweenabout 0.0000l and 0.1 mm Hg at 20 C.

15. The device defined in claim 12 wherein said razor support plate ismounted in said container to provide an elongate slot between thelongitudinal edges of the support plate and the container walls.

16. The device defined in claim 15 wherein said razor support platecomprises a thin, flexible member retained in a configuration having acurved cross-section transverse to its-longitudinal axis.

17. The device defined in claim 12 wherein said razo support platecomprises a thin; flat; perforate member extending substantially acrossthe horizontal crosssection of said container.

18. A method for storing a cutting implement between intermittent usesunder conditions where moisture is present that reduces deterioration ofthe cutting edge of the implement between uses, which comprisesmaintaining the cutting implement in a substantially closed environmentmaintained vented to the atmosphere and containing a reservoir ofvolatile corrosion -volatile corrosion inhibitor comprisesdicyclohexlamine caprylate; diisopropylamine caprylate, or admixturesthereof.

20. The method defined in claim 18, wherein said volatile corrosioninhibitor is an admixture of sodium nitrite, urea and monoetha'nolaminebenzoate.

21. The method defined in claim 18, wherein said volatile corrosioninhibitor is diisopropylammonium nitrite, dicyclohexylammonium nitriteor admixtures thereof in the proportion of between about 0.1 to 5 partsby weight of diisopropylammonium nitrite per part of dicyclohexlammoniumnitrite.

22. The method defined in claim 18, wherein said cutting implement is asafety razor containing a razor blade.

23. A device for storing a safety razor either under dry conditions orwith moisture adhering thereto that reduces deterioration of the cuttingedge of the razor blade between intermittent uses, which comprises:

an open-topped, integrally formed, molded container;

a lid removably closing thetop of said container, said lid beingapertured to vent the interior of said container to the atmosphere;

a pair of absorbent pads saturated with a liquid volatile corrosioninhibitor having a vapor pressure between about 0.0000] and 0.1 mm Hg at20 C.; means to support said pads longitudinally within said containerat each side thereof; and

means to support said razor in said container in proximity to, but outof contact with said pads.

t III UNITED STATES mTENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION v Patent No.3,759, 594 Dated September 18, 1973 Inventor(8) JACK M. COBB It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 13, line 1, "14" should be 12 Signed and sealed this 25th day ofDecember 1973.

(SEAL) Attest: r

IRENE D. TEGTMEYE EDWARD M.FLETCHEIR-,JR.; 1 Attesting Officer Acting-Commissioner of Patents

1. A device for storing cutting implements between intermittent usesthat reduces deterioration of the cutting edges of the implement betweenuses, which comprises: an open topped container for receiving theimplement; a lid removably closing the top of said container; areservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor contained within saidcontainer; and means to support said cutting implement within saidcontainer so that the cutting edges are in close proximity to, but outof contact with said reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor.
 2. Thedevice defined in claim 1 for storing cutting implements having moistureadhering thereto wherein said lid has an aperture to vent the interiorof said container to the atmosphere.
 3. The device defined in claim 1wherein said reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor is a body ofparticulate solid volatile corrosion inhibitor having a vapor pressurebetween about 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20* C.
 4. The device defined inclaim 1 wherein said reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor comprisesan absorbent wick impregnated with a liquid volatile corrosion inhibitorhaving a vapor pressure between about 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20* C. 5.A device for storing a safety razor either under dry conditions or withmoisture adhering thereto that reduces deterioration of the cutting edgeof the razor blade between intermittent uses, which comprises: anopen-topped, integrally formed molded container; a lid removably closingthe top of said container, said lid havIng an aperture to vent theinterior of said container to the atmosphere; a razor support platemounted in said container to separate said container into a lowercorrosion inhibitor chamber and an upper razor storage chamber and tosupport said razor in said upper chamber out of contact with said lowercorrosion inhibitor chamber, said support plate being discontinuousacross the cross-section of said container to provide communicationbetween said lower chamber and said upper chamber; means to support saidrazor support plate in said container; and a reservoir of volatilecorrosion inhibitor in said lower chamber.
 6. The device defined inclaim 5 wherein said reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor is a bodyof particulate solid volatile corrosion inhibitor having a vaporpressure between about 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20* C.
 7. The devicedefined in claim 5 wherein said reservoir of volatile corrosioninhibitor comprises an absorbent wick impregnated with a liquid volatilecorrosion inhibitor having a vapor pressure between about 0.00001 and0.1 mm Hg at 20* C.
 8. The device defined in claim 5 wherein said razorsupport plate comprises a thin, flexible member retained in aconfiguration having a curved cross-section transverse to itslongitudinal axis, and wherein said razor support plate is mounted insaid container to provide an elongate slot between the longitudinaledges of the support plate and the container walls.
 9. The devicedefined in claim 8 wherein said reservoir of volatile corrosioninhibitor comprises a pair of flat pads of absorbent wicking materialsaturated with a liquid volatile corrosion inhibitor having a vaporpressure between about 0.0001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20* C., one of said padsbeing located below each of said elongate slots.
 10. The device definedin claim 9 including a pair of tabs projecting upwardly from theinterior surface of the bottom of the container to retain said pads ofabsorbent wicking material in position below each of said elongateslots.
 11. The device defined in claim 5 wherein said razor supportplate comprises a thin, flat, perforate member extending substantiallyacross the cross-section of said container.
 12. A device for storing asafety razor either under dry conditions or with moisture adheringthereto that reduces deterioration of the cutting edge of the razorblade between intermittent uses, which comprises: an open-topped,integrally-formed, molded container, the rear panel of said containerincluding an upwardly extending tab portion having a recessed notch onits interior surface to receive the handle of a safety razor and anaperture to receive a mounting screw; a lid removably closing the top ofsaid container, said lid having an aperture to vent the interior of saidcontainer to the atmosphere; a razor support plate mounted in saidcontainer to separate said container into a lower corrosion inhibitorchamber and an upper razor storage chamber and to support said razor insaid upper chamber out of contact with said lower corrosion inhibitorchamber, said support plate being discontinuous across the cross-sectionof said container to provide communication between said lower chamberand said upper chamber; means to support said razor support plate insaid container; and a reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor in saidlower chamber.
 13. The device defined in claim 14 wherein said reservoirof volatile corrosion inhibitor is a body of particulate solid volatilecorrosion inhibitor having a vapor pressure between about 0.00001 and0.1 mm Hg. at 20* C.
 14. The device defined in claim 12 wherein saidreservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor comprises an absorbent wickimpregnated with a liquid volatile corrosion inhibitor having a vaporpressure between about 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20* C.
 15. The devicedefined in Claim 12 wherein said razor support plate is mounted in saidcontainer to provide an elongate slot between the longitudinal edges ofthe support plate and the container walls.
 16. The device defined inclaim 15 wherein said razor support plate comprises a thin, flexiblemember retained in a configuration having a curved cross-sectiontransverse to its longitudinal axis.
 17. The device defined in claim 12wherein said razor support plate comprises a thin, flat, perforatemember extending substantially across the horizontal cross-section ofsaid container.
 18. A method for storing a cutting implement betweenintermittent uses under conditions where moisture is present thatreduces deterioration of the cutting edge of the implement between uses,which comprises maintaining the cutting implement in a substantiallyclosed environment maintained vented to the atmosphere and containing areservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor having a vapor pressurebetween about 0.00001 and 0.1 mm Hg at 20* C., said cutting implementbeing supported so that the cutting edges are in close proximity to, butout of contact with said reservoir of volatile corrosion inhibitor. 19.The method defined in claim 18, wherein said volatile corrosioninhibitor comprises dicyclohexlamine caprylate, diisopropylaminecaprylate, or admixtures thereof.
 20. The method defined in claim 18,wherein said volatile corrosion inhibitor is an admixture of sodiumnitrite, urea and monoethanolamine benzoate.
 21. The method defined inclaim 18, wherein said volatile corrosion inhibitor isdiisopropylammonium nitrite, dicyclohexylammonium nitrite or admixturesthereof in the proportion of between about 0.1 to 5 parts by weight ofdiisopropylammonium nitrite per part of dicyclohexlammonium nitrite. 22.The method defined in claim 18, wherein said cutting implement is asafety razor containing a razor blade.
 23. A device for storing a safetyrazor either under dry conditions or with moisture adhering thereto thatreduces deterioration of the cutting edge of the razor blade betweenintermittent uses, which comprises: an open-topped, integrally formed,molded container; a lid removably closing the top of said container,said lid being apertured to vent the interior of said container to theatmosphere; a pair of absorbent pads saturated with a liquid volatilecorrosion inhibitor having a vapor pressure between about 0.00001 and0.1 mm Hg at 20* C.; means to support said pads longitudinally withinsaid container at each side thereof; and means to support said razor insaid container in proximity to, but out of contact with said pads.